If you have a sweet tooth and love a perfect blend of chewy and gooey textures, you are going to absolutely adore this Caramelitas Oatmeal Caramel Chocolate Bars Recipe. Imagine a buttery, oat-filled crust layered with luscious melted caramel and rich chocolate chips, all baked to golden perfection. These bars bring together comforting flavors and a delightful chewiness that makes them a standout treat for any occasion, whether it’s a casual snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Caramelitas Oatmeal Caramel Chocolate Bars Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes these bars irresistible.
- Rolled oats: Provides a hearty, chewy texture and wholesome bite that’s the backbone of the bars.
- Melted butter: Adds rich moisture and a golden-brown crispiness to the oat layers.
- All-purpose flour: Helps bind the oats and sugar together for a sturdy yet tender crumb.
- Brown sugar: Imparts a deep caramel-like sweetness and keeps the bars soft.
- Baking soda: Gives a light lift to the oat base ensuring it’s not too dense.
- Soft caramels: The star ingredient creating the luscious, creamy caramel layer that melts beautifully.
- Chocolate chips: Scatter these over the crust for rich bursts of chocolate that complement the caramel.
- Heavy cream: Mixed with caramels to make a silky caramel sauce that ties everything together.
How to Make Caramelitas Oatmeal Caramel Chocolate Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Start by greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan to make sure your bars don’t stick. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), setting the stage for perfectly baked oat layers.
Step 2: Create the Caramel Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the soft caramels with the heavy cream. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until everything melts into one smooth, silky sauce. This caramel sauce is what makes the Caramelitas Oatmeal Caramel Chocolate Bars Recipe irresistibly gooey and rich.
Step 3: Mix the Oat Base
In a bowl, blend together the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, rolled oats, and baking soda. Stir until all ingredients come together into a crumbly but cohesive mixture, which will form both the base and the top of your bars.
Step 4: Press and Bake the Bottom Layer
Press half of the oat mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. This layer serves as the sturdy foundation of your bars. Bake it in your preheated oven for 10 minutes to develop a light golden crust before adding the layers on top.
Step 5: Layer Chocolate and Caramel
Once the crust is baked, gently sprinkle the chocolate chips all over it. Pour the warm caramel sauce evenly on top of the chocolate, allowing it to seep into the nooks of your oat base for that beautiful gooey middle.
Step 6: Add the Top Oat Layer
Take the remaining oat mixture and spread it over the caramel layer. Press down gently to create an even top layer, making sure it covers the caramel but doesn’t press too hard to lose that soft texture.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Return your pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. This final bake sets all the layers, locking in the flavors and textures that make the Caramelitas Oatmeal Caramel Chocolate Bars Recipe so memorable.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Patience is key here—allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This prevents the caramel from oozing out and helps each square hold its shape perfectly when served.
How to Serve Caramelitas Oatmeal Caramel Chocolate Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are stunning on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top can elevate their presentation. For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle a few flaky sea salt flakes to accentuate the caramel’s sweetness.
Side Dishes
Serve your caramelitas alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add creaminess and a cool contrast. Fresh berries or a warm cup of coffee or tea also pair beautifully, balancing sweetness and making for a reassuring, comforting treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, cut the bars into smaller bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a decorative platter with parchment paper. Layering them with alternating flavors of nuts or adding a swirl of peanut butter on top before baking can introduce exciting twists without losing the soul of the Caramelitas Oatmeal Caramel Chocolate Bars Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your caramelitas will keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The oats stay chewy while the caramel layer remains gooey, making it easy to grab a sweet bite whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead of time, these bars freeze really well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, pop a caramelita square in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This softens the caramel slightly and makes the chocolate melty again, creating a truly decadent bite.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While rolled oats provide that perfect chewy texture, quick oats can be used in a pinch. The bars might be a bit softer and less textured but will still taste delicious.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the caramel sauce?
Yes, heavy cream adds richness and creaminess that helps the caramel sauce stay smooth and pourable. Without it, the caramel might be too stiff or overly sweet.
What can I substitute for soft caramels?
You can use caramel bits or store-bought caramel sauce as alternatives, but soft caramels melt evenly and provide the ideal texture for this recipe.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Grease your pan thoroughly and consider lining it with parchment paper for easy removal. This prevents sticking and helps you lift the bars out cleanly.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a sprinkle of shredded coconut can add an extra layer of flavor and crunch that complements the Caramelitas Oatmeal Caramel Chocolate Bars Recipe beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Caramelitas Oatmeal Caramel Chocolate Bars Recipe is a wonderful addition to any baker’s repertoire. Its comforting blend of oats, caramel, and chocolate is truly a crowd-pleaser and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Once you try this recipe, it just might become your go-to dessert that everyone raves about. So, grab your ingredients and treat yourself—you deserve every delicious bite!
Print
Caramelitas Oatmeal Caramel Chocolate Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Caramelitas are decadent oat bars layered with a buttery oat crust, smooth rich caramel, and melty chocolate chips, baked until golden brown. Perfect as a sweet treat or dessert, they combine chewy oats with creamy caramel and chocolate in every bite.
Ingredients
Caramel Layer
- 1 bag of soft caramels (around 11 oz)
- ½ cup heavy cream
Oat Mixture
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup melted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Additional
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Make the Caramel: In a small saucepan, combine the soft caramels and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the caramel melts completely and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Oat Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, rolled oats, and baking soda. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Press the Base: Take half of the oat mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly into a compact layer.
- Bake the Crust: Bake this base layer in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Once baked, remove the pan carefully from the oven.
- Add Chocolate and Caramel Layers: Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips over the baked crust. Then, pour the prepared caramel mixture evenly over the chocolate chips.
- Add the Top Layer: Spread the remaining oat mixture gently over the caramel layer. Press it slightly to cover the caramel without mixing layers together.
- Bake the Bars: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top layer turns golden brown and set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly. Then cut into squares and serve as a delicious treat.
Notes
- Ensure the caramel mixture is smooth before pouring for even layering.
- Press the oat layers firmly to avoid crumbling bars.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate as per preference.
- Allow the bars to fully cool to ensure clean cuts and perfect texture.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
